The first thing you should find out when caring for a charge with CP is how much help they need. Don't do things for them that they can do alone. They must learn how to take care of themselves as much as possible, and its even worse for them to be spoiled than it is for typical kids.
Never refer to your charge as a CP or a cripple. Crippled is a very old-fashioned and insulting word. Calling a charge a CP suggests that this is all he is. He is a child with CP. He is affected by it, but not afflicted by it. If he is in a wheelchair, you can say he is in a wheelchair, but not that he is wheelchair bound. You should also avoid calling him a spazz, even if he is spastic.
Some children with cerebral palsy have difficulty talking. It is important to remember that not being able to talk does not mean the child is not smart. He might be a genius. Some children with CP use boards that let them point to letters or words to communicate. Others talk slowly. Either way, you should make a strong effort to communicate with the child. Be patient while he spells a word out on his board or tries to say a word. Look at him directly and smile or look relaxed. Don't look or act like you are impatient. Watch your body language to be sure it isn't demonstrating impatience. If you don't understand what he said, apologize and ask him to try again. If you still can't get it after a few tries, you might suggest a guessing game, like 20 Questions. You'll ask questions and he'll answer yes or no until you get it right. If you seem to be having fun, he won't be embarrassed.
It is very important to be accepting of whatever challenges your charge faces. He is doing the best he can, so don't embarrass him in anyway. If you act like problems are no big deal, he will be more comfortable.
Some children with cerebral palsy have seizures. If your charge has seizures, learn how to handle them. Do NOT put a pencil in his mouth so he won't
Go To Page: 1 2
